Tian Dao Lao Ren did not expect Zhang Er Gou to say such a thing.
"Yes, after cultivating for so long, I, this Venerable, haven't seen through it as clearly as a child."
Tian Dao Lao Ren muttered to himself, his gaze towards Zhang Er Gou softening considerably. The oppressive aura that had been surrounding Zhang Er Gou quietly disappeared.
"How can this be?" Xu Cheng Tao, standing at the edge of the front desk, looked displeased. He could tell from Tian Dao Lao Ren's expression that Zhang Er Gou's words had not provoked any ill will from the elder. This was not what he wanted to see.
If Zhang Er Gou were allowed to escape so easily, it would be difficult to find another opportunity to trouble him.
"Haha, you indeed have a silver tongue, young man. Are you saying all this to make excuses for your own weakness? You're simply afraid of dying under the attack of demonic beasts and dare not sacrifice your life for the sect."
Xu Cheng Tao stepped out from the crowd of elders and stared directly at Zhang Er Gou.
To kill with a single blow to the heart, one must stand on the side of righteousness.
Xu Cheng Tao's last sentence struck every inner disciple's heart like a heavy hammer.
Indeed, after all Zhang Er Gou had said, was it not just an excuse for his cowardice and fear of death? He had actually been moved by his words earlier.
In the plaza, more than one person harbored this thought.
Tian Dao Lao Ren glanced at Xu Cheng Tao, who had suddenly stepped forward to question Zhang Er Gou, his eyes filled with scrutiny.
He was well aware of the animosity between Xu Cheng Tao and Zhang Er Gou, hence his gaze towards Xu Cheng Tao held a strong warning.
Xu Cheng Tao shivered. His mind clouded by hatred, he had forgotten that in such a solemn occasion, he had no right to speak.
However, he was now in a predicament. The words had been spoken, and he had stepped forward. Retreating was no longer an option.
Therefore, he could only grit his teeth and stare at Zhang Er Gou.
Tian Dao Lao Ren merely swept a casual glance at Xu Cheng Tao before looking away, leaving Xu Cheng Tao's back drenched in cold sweat.
Seeing that Tian Dao Lao Ren did not intervene, others spoke up tactfully.
Tian Dao Lao Ren, however, looked at Zhang Er Gou with amusement, eager to hear his response.
"Um, Elder Tian Dao, didn't you mention that there was news from the outer sect about another demonic beast attack? It's getting late, shouldn't we be departing?"
Zhang Er Gou ignored Xu Cheng Tao's accusation, feigning concern for the demonic beast forest in the outer sect.
"No rush, no need to be hasty. How about, young man, you answer Elder Xu's question."
Tian Dao Lao Ren smiled slightly, effectively cutting off Zhang Er Gou's attempt to gloss over the matter.
"Elder Tian Dao, this... is not appropriate, is it?"
Zhang Er Gou appeared troubled, as if there was something he found difficult to articulate.
"There's nothing inappropriate. Speak your mind, and if it's reasonable, I'll back you up."
Tian Dao Lao Ren knew that if he didn't give the young man some confidence, he wouldn't speak honestly.
However, Tian Dao Lao Ren would soon regret his decision.
Upon hearing Tian Dao Lao Ren's promise, Zhang Er Gou selectively ignored the phrase "if it's reasonable."
He stood up straight, turned to face Xu Cheng Tao, and stared intently at him with his dark eyes.
Xu Cheng Tao had not yet recovered from Tian Dao Lao Ren's oppressive aura. Suddenly being stared at by Zhang Er Gou, he felt as if he were being eyed by a ferocious beast, and a cold sweat broke out on his back again.
Realizing that he, an elder, was being intimidated into sweating by a junior, Xu Cheng Tao's face flushed, and he was about to erupt in anger.
But as he looked up and saw Tian Dao Lao Ren subtly glancing at him, he immediately deflated.
"Elder, do you and I have any enmity?"
Zhang Er Gou had long recognized Xu Cheng Tao, but he wouldn't admit it. That would be asking for trouble.
Xu Cheng Tao was furious internally. You killed my disciple, and now you ask if we have any enmity?
But he could not answer directly. If he admitted it, it would mean he was deliberately provoking Zhang Er Gou and seeking revenge, whereas he had stepped forward to question Zhang Er Gou from a position of righteousness.
"Naturally, no."
Xu Cheng Tao gritted his teeth and replied.
"No?"
Zhang Er Gou frowned, his expression changing unpredictably. Even Tian Dao Lao Ren was unsure what the young man was planning.
However, he did not intervene, merely watching quietly.
The inner disciples in the plaza now looked at Zhang Er Gou with changed expressions. Not only could he converse with Tian Dao Lao Ren, but he could also face an elder directly without being at a disadvantage.
"Oh, if not, then Elder, do you recognize me?"
Zhang Er Gou pressed on. Xu Cheng Tao was filled with resentment. Why was this kid questioning him instead of answering the question?
However, under Tian Dao Lao Ren's gaze, he had no choice but to answer Zhang Er Gou's question.
"Naturally, I do not," Xu Cheng Tao continued. "I simply find your remarks too pessimistic and detrimental to the disciples' morale. Someone like you, who fears death, is unworthy of being an inner disciple."
"Elder, you repeatedly call me a coward. That's true, I admitted I feared death earlier, but everyone clearly and plainly heard my reasons for fearing death."
Zhang Er Gou cast a malicious glance at Xu Cheng Tao.
"Conversely, Elder, you who do not fear death, did you participate in the second wave of demonic beast attacks in the outer sect's demonic beast forest last time to contribute to the sect?"
Swish! Xu Cheng Tao's face turned ashen. He had indeed not gone to reinforce the outer sect when they requested help last time, but how did this kid know?
Xu Cheng Tao opened his mouth to explain, but found himself speechless. Even the gazes of the onlookers shifted.
"Hmph! After this reinforcement mission, Elder Xu, you will give me an explanation for this matter."
Tian Dao Lao Ren glared at Xu Cheng Tao with displeasure and let out a cold snort, bringing the farce to an end.
"Kid, I'm very unsatisfied with your answer!" Tian Dao Lao Ren transmitted his thoughts to Zhang Er Gou.
Zhang Er Gou had caused Xu Cheng Tao to lose face, indirectly slapping the faces of the inner sect elders. As the leader of the inner sect elders, Tian Dao Lao Ren's mood could not possibly be good.
However, it was too late to say anything now. He had promised to support Zhang Er Gou earlier.
Tian Dao Lao Ren could only swallow his bitterness.
"Elder Tian Dao, shouldn't we be departing for the outer sect reinforcement?"
Zhang Er Gou, at the opportune moment, shifted the topic, which somewhat eased Tian Dao Lao Ren's expression.
"All peak lords lead their disciples and depart!"
Tian Dao Lao Ren waved his hand, and the peak lords moved towards the locations of their respective disciples.
The disciples in the plaza now looked at Zhang Er Gou with completely changed expressions.
The disciples sent for reinforcement to the outer sect would naturally not take all the inner sect disciples with them.
However, about one-third of them, over ten thousand people, set off towards the outer sect...